Consistent release training device for pitchers

ABSTRACT

A baseball training device for use in improving pitching skills, particularly skills relating to a consistent release point while pitching, the device comprising an elongated member which is adjustable in length, and a sensory device secured to the elongated member, the sensory device adapted to emit energy so as to define a space which can be sensed by the hand of pitcher.

[0001] The present invention relates generally to devices for assisting persons to learn sports skills and, more particularly, to devices for assisting persons to learn pitching skills for playing the game of baseball.

[0002] In baseball pitching, location of the pitched ball in the strike zone along with pitch selection (curve, slider, etc.) and change of speed on the ball are the three things a pitcher uses in his arsenal to deceive a batter. The ability to consistently put (throw) the ball where a pitcher desires is considered the most important skill in the art of pitching. If a pitcher cannot throw the ball where he wants or control where it goes, it renders the other two skills in the pitcher deception useless.

[0003] As important consideration in locating a pitched ball in the strike zone is that a baseball pitcher should always strive to release the pitched ball in the same position (release point) in space. If he is able to do so, he will dramatically increase his ability to control or throw the ball to where he wants or strategically needs to in the strike zone.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] It therefore is a feature of the subject invention to provide a device for assisting persons to learn pitching skills for playing the game of baseball.

[0005] It also is a feature of the subject invention to provide a device for assisting persons to improve skills relating to a consistent release point when pitching in the game of baseball.

[0006] Briefly, the present invention comprehends in its broader aspects a baseball training device for use in improving pitching skills, particularly skills relating to a consistent release point while pitching, the device comprising an elongated member which is adjustable in length, and a sensory device secured to the elongated member, the sensory device adapted to emit energy so as to define a space which can be sensed by the hand of pitcher.

[0007] The present invention further comprehends a baseball training device for use in improving pitching skills, particularly skills relating to a consistent release point while pitching, the device comprising an elongated member which is adjustable in length, and a sensory device secured to the elongated member, the sensory device adapted to emit at least one of air or heat so as to define a space which can be sensed by the hand of pitcher.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] In the drawings,

[0009]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the training device in accordance with the present invention; and

[0010]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a another embodiment of the training device in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings, the training device 10 in accordance with the present invention is particularly adapted to be positioned in front of and to the side of pitcher 14. Device 10 comprises an elongated member 12 adapted to be positioned vertically so as to have at least a length projecting just above the head of pitcher 14. Preferably, elongated member 12 is adjustable in length such as by, for example, being of two or more telescoping sections 16 and 18 adjustably secured in a fixed relationship by fastener 20. Elongated member 12 may be positioned vertically such as by the provision of horizontal stand or base 22 or, alternatively, by being inserted into the ground.

[0012] Secured to the upper portion of elongated member 12 is sensory device 24 adapted to emit energy so as to define a horizontally extending space or zone which can be sensed by the hand of pitcher 11. Suitably, but not necessarily, sensory device 24 is an infrared lamp powered by suitable connection of electrical cord 26 so as to emit heat and define the zone. Alternatively, sensory device 24 is a blower powered by suitable connection of electrical cord 26 so as to emit air and define the zone.

[0013] Another embodiment of the training device in accordance with the present invention is shown in FIG. 2. Like the embodiment of FIG. 1, baseball training device 30 comprises an elongated member 12 adapted to be positioned vertically so as to have at least a length which extends above the head of pitcher 14. As in the above embodiment, elongated member 12 is adjustable in length such as by, for example, being of two or more telescoping hollow sections 16 and 18 adjustably secured in a fixed relationship by fastener 20. Elongated member 12 is to be maintained in the vertical position such as by the provision of horizontal stand 22 or, alternatively, by being inserted into the ground.

[0014] Secured to the upper portion of elongated member 12 of FIG. 2 is sensory device 32 adapted to emit a flow of air so as to define a space which can be sensed by the hand of pitcher 11. Preferably, but not necessarily, sensory device 32 is attached to a remote source of air 34 by hose 36 which may extend through elongated member 12 to sensory device 32. Remote source 34 may be a blower, fan or the like. An advantage of this embodiment is the weight of sensory device 32 can be reduced thereby making device 30 more stable.

[0015] The elongated member 12 as well as base 22 of the training devices 10 and 30 of the invention may be made of any suitable material such as metal, rubber and/or polymeric materials.

[0016] In use, the device of the present invention is positioned in front of and to the side of the pitcher. Generally, the side selected will be that closest to the pitching hand of the pitcher. The sensory device is then activated and the pitcher commences pitching. When the hand of the pitcher senses the energy emitted by the sensory device, the pitcher will release the ball. As necessary, the position of the device is changed to produce the desired or optimum results in terms of the pitched balls.

[0017] While there has been shown and described what are considered to be preferred embodiments of the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the invention as defined in the appended claims. 

It is claimed:
 1. A baseball training device for use in improving pitching skills, the device comprising an elongated member which is adjustable in length, and a sensory device secured to the elongated member, the sensory device adapted to emit energy so as to define a space which can be sensed by the hand of pitcher.
 2. A baseball training device according to claim 1, wherein the device further includes a base supported the elongated member.
 3. A baseball training device for use in improving pitching skills relating to a consistent release point while pitching, the device comprising an elongated member which is adjustable in length, and a sensory device secured to the elongated member, the sensory device adapted to emit at least one of air or heat so as to define a space which can be sensed by the hand of pitcher.
 4. A baseball training device according to claim 3, wherein the sensory device adapted to emit air so as to define a space which can be sensed by the hand of pitcher.
 5. A baseball training device according to claim 4, wherein the device includes a remote source of air connected to the sensory device by a hose.
 6. A baseball training device according to claim 4, wherein the sensory device adapted to emit air is a blower.
 7. A baseball training device according to claim 3, wherein the sensory device adapted to emit heat so as to define a space which can be sensed by the hand of pitcher.
 8. A baseball training device according to claim 7, wherein the sensory device adapted to emit heat is an infrared lamp. 